Definition Menopause

Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her menstrual cycles stop for good and her ovaries gradually stop working, leading to a decline in the production of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. Menopause occurs in most women between the ages of 45 and 55 and is usually diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months. Menopause is a natural part of the ageing process in women and can be associated with a range of physical and emotional symptoms.

There are three main stages of the menopause:

Perimenopause: This is the time before the menopause when the body gradually starts to reduce the production of hormones such as oestrogen and progesterone. During this time, women may experience irregular menstrual cycles, hot flushes and other symptoms.

Menopause: Diagnosed when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 consecutive months. During this time, the ovaries produce very little oestrogen or progesterone.

Postmenopause: This is the time after the menopause when women may still experience symptoms such as hot flushes and difficulty sleeping.
 

The menopause also causes a number of changes in the body. Here are some of the most important changes that can occur during the menopause:

Decrease in hormone production: The ovaries shrink, causing a decrease in the production of oestrogen and progesterone.

Cycle changes: Women often experience irregular menstrual cycles before their menstrual cycles eventually stop.

Hot flushes: A common symptom of the menopause, hot flushes are sudden, intense feelings of heat, often accompanied by sweating, chills and palpitations.

Sleep disturbances: Women may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during the menopause, which can lead to tiredness and fatigue.

Physical changes: Women may gain body mass, especially around the abdomen, and lose muscle mass during the menopause.

Bone loss: Women are at higher risk of osteoporosis during and after the menopause because the body produces less oestrogen, which is important for maintaining bone density.

Emotional changes: Women may experience mood swings, irritability, depression and anxiety during the menopause.